Volume 2 Issue 3

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
 

THE FACTS OF FLAX
 

Jenny W. from San Juan Capistrano called me with a very real concern.  She received a handout from a feed company about the hazards associated with supplementing your horse with flax.  As her horse needs to have a thyroid supplement daily to bring his thyroid level up to normal, she was, justifiably concerned.

 The article she read had this to say about flax.  “There are abundant articles on horse health indicating that flax can be detrimental to a horse’s thyroid.  Flax has theoretically been linked to Cushings and HYPP as well as joint problems.  Other articles indicate flax not properly processed can turn into cyanide in the horse’s system.

Is flax related to kidney failure?  Sure, cyanide could cause kidney disease.  We’ve had scientists from top human drug companies warning for ages, to never feed flax to a horse. Horse publications have also indicated the possibility that flax can cause lethargy and fertility issues. Flax is very high in potassium, and there are thousands of medical/scientific articles linking high potassium with kidney failure.

We also know that high potassium levels have been linked to O.C.D., epithasitis, ‘hyperkalemia’ [potassium in bloodstream higher than normal which causes kidneys to have to overwork to rid itself of extra potassium] Kidney failure is often seen hand in hand with high potassium levels.”

 This particular feed company then goes on to state in another article, which I found on the Internet… “If you are going to feed flax, it should be soaked in order to make it safer, and more effective.  Flax, if not milled properly, can become rancid in about 2 weeks, and can cause colic. So flax fans should at least soak and boil the flax first.

Benefit:   shiny coat, rich in Omegas, cheap
Risk (even if only occasionally):  thyroid problems, death, epithasitis, OCD, cushings, lethargy, colic, etc.”

All I can say is, WOW!!  That article sure would make me think twice about giving my horse flax.  But, you know what I say….When In Doubt, Ask Your Vet.  And that is exactly what I did.

I contacted several Vets as well and Labs.  Even though I got the answers I was looking for, I still wanted more proof so I spent the next week looking up any articles I could find about flax on the internet, both for human, as well as for equine.  I would now like to share these “Facts Of Flax” with you, so that you can make an informed decision whether to use it or not.

IN THE BEGINNING…..

 Flax is an ancient plant that has been used as a source of food and oil for thousands of years.  Even the plant fibers are used for the manufacture of linen.  The oil is also known as Linseed Oil. It is a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies.  For centuries, it has been recognized as a highly nutritional food and recommended for whole-body wellbeing.  It is the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are required for the health of almost every body system and in past centuries, was a part of the every day diet.

 NUTRIENTS
 Flax seed oil contains omega-6 and omega 9 essential fatty acids [essential because our bodies cannot produce them ourselves], the B vitamin group, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc.  It also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than in fish oil.

Protein
Flax seed is approximately 22% protein and contains all 9 essential amino acids.  Protein is essential for the growth and repair of tissue.  It is also needed for the formation of enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and for the transport of other nutrients into the cells.  Flax seed is easy to digest, and has it’s own enzymes to assist with digestion.  Certain amino acids in flax provide for early absorption in the digestive process that forms neurotransmitters for the brain and nerves.

Omega-3
Flax seed is the highest source of Omega-3 essential fatty acid.  Omega-3 is essential for brain, nerves, skin, circulatory and immune functions.  It has also been used for the prevention of arthritis, cancer, heart disease, M.S., fibromyalgia, weight control, and has had some success with balancing female hormones and reducing PMS.

Lignans
Lignans are special antioxidants documented to protect against cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and other ailments.  Flax is by far the highest food known for lignans. It has 100 times the lignan content of the next best food source.  In total, there are 27 anti-cancer agents in flax seed, mostly lignans.

Other
Flax contains 2% organically bonded minerals.  It is an excellent source of highly absorbable potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, and boron.  It also has generous amounts of vitamins A [Beta Carotene], B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, B-12, and E.

To read the rest of this article, and see the impact of Flax for both humans, as well as our equine friends, visit my store

ALWAYS REMEMBER.....WHEN IN DOUBT.....CALL YOUR VET

Wendy Teddiman, Trainer (wen-dacres@cox.net)  (http://shop.wen-d-acres.com)  (http://wen-d-acres.com) 949-357-8040